The Bauchi State Government has launched a two-day sensitisation programme to equip secondary school students with knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Aliyu Ahmed, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, explained that the initiative was designed to raise awareness among students about the risks, impact and consequences of GBV.
He noted that the training would also prepare the ground for the establishment of GBV clubs in secondary schools across the state, providing structured platforms for advocacy and peer education.
According to him, the programme focuses on standard referral procedures and best practices for supporting survivors of abuse.
Ahmed added that the exercise was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Bauchi State High Court and Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development.
“We brought together students from both public and private schools, including those from special schools, to pilot the formation of these clubs.
“This initial phase is expected to create a ripple effect, as participants return to their schools to share the knowledge gained and promote awareness among their peers.
“Schools involved in the pilot will immediately set up GBV clubs, while plans are underway to expand the programme to cover the entire state,” he said.
Also speaking, Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, Director of Women at the ministry, said the initiative would empower students to serve as advocates against gender-based violence within their school communities.
She described GBV as a widespread challenge that cuts across gender, age and religious boundaries, stressing the need for early education and sustained advocacy.
She added that the clubs would be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure effective coordination, sustainability and measurable impact.